Ysabella Brave

Welcome to the family. We're a little weird here, but we're all very nice — so you'll fit in here. We're kind of intense — but you'll figure it out.

MaryAnne Ysabella (born 4 December1979) is an American vocalist, song-writer and performer more widely known by her web name Ysabella Brave after her YouTube channels, ysabellabrave (for her singing and comedic performances), and ysabellabravetalk (in which she discusses questions and concerns of her fans), became among the most popular, after a few of her performances.

On being asked to return to her "natural" brunette hair, when actually she is naturally a blonde who occassionally dyes her hair darker, in "This Just In!" (30 January 2007)

I went, and I was rejected immediately — like that. First chance I got to sing, they said "you have a very excellent voice, it's amazing, blah, blah, blah — not what we're looking for." And that was it. And you know, thinking about it later: I don't think it's really for me — you know what I mean? That's all we're going to say about that. Let's move on.

On trying out for "American Idol" in "This Just In!" (30 January 2007)

Don't you think that it's amazing that I'm singing into this silly camera with the desk lamp, and it's going through all these wires and everything else, and these computers, and you still feel what I'm feeling, and you still get what I'm trying to do? Yeah. I think its amazing. And I think it's so nice in a period when we're very isolated people, and kind of emotionless people, I think it's great that we can still touch one another and we can still feel what we're feeling, and we can still have fun, and we can be sad, and we can be happy, and to know that someone cares about you — because I really do. I really do.And I can't believe that I have over 10,000 subscribers. What is wrong with you people?

"This Just In!" (30 January 2007)

Many people have said since the beginning — actually, all my life — "don't you suppose you were born in the wrong era — the wrong time?" Well, I don't think so at all! Because, don't you see, I can come into your home, in your office, and wherever you are, and sing to you these silly songs. And I'm just a simple lady, and I can show you how much I love you very much, and share these feelings with you. And I don't know that could have been done really this way at any other time. So I think that I was born at just the right time — wouldn't you say?

I've been told I sound like I'm out of an old movie; that perhaps I'm faking my voice, that it's nice, that it's not nice — all kinds of things. Well it's my voice. The only thing I can think of is sometimes you're in one mood or another mood, and so maybe it sounds a little different, but I've always spoken this way — and I'm trying to sound pleasant — I hope it does sound pleasant, but that's about it.

There is a big difference you see between privately letting someone know that you're displeased, whether they've done something they may not be aware of, and just rudeness — and you do not have to tolerate rudeness, by any means.

Advice to new YouTuber afraid of criticism "ysabellabravetalk #1" (9 March 2007)

I had no idea how much music and singing really means to people, and in my own tiny way to be a part of that is very humbling and very sweet, and and I feel very honored. ... I have a great appreciation for this, in every ways and a new understanding, and I'm just as amazed as anyone else.

Response to a question on whether her increasing fame has changed her in any way. "ysabellabravetalk #1" (9 March 2007)

I look at the lyrics, and if that's something honest for me at the moment, I'll sing it.

You know you're already brave. You don't get very far in life without having to be brave an awful lot. Because we all have our frightening moments and difficult trials and we don't have much of a choice but to get through 'em, and it takes a lot of bravery to do that. The most important thing about bravery is this — It's not about not being scared — it's about being scared and doing it anyway — that's bravery.

I believe in a God, who, whether we understand it now or ever will, does the thing for us, which is the best thing for us — out of Love — even if it’s painful. And I think that’s the truth. So, if you’re in a great pain, and if you’re suffering, remember that this is… in the middle… and that you’re on your way… some place…, and it’s beneficial to you… and even better than that, it might be beneficial to others… so, that what I have to say to that tonight… I know it’s… short… I hope it’s sweet, and… I’ll see you next time… so, good night.

Hears the music under the rock
One of these days he'll stop
Don't stop when the music stops.

"Such a Quiet Man (original song!)", the first original song she posted to YouTube, about which she wrote: "I got bored so I wrote this song tonight. The music, instruments, the lyrics, backup vocals, everything was me. And yes it is TOTALLY WEIRD!!!!!!" (13 May 2007)

I've been asked by a lot of new YouTube people or other singers — all kinds of professions, frankly, as to whether I feel very successful and very loved now that I've got bup-up-up-up subscribers and however many nice comments and sweetness, and I really, really do! I was thinking going into this that the odds were against me — you're online, there's this anonymity, people are mean sometimes, and still considering all that, it's overwhelming the sweetness and the affection that I am getting — I'm every day impressed by this — every day! And there are a lot of horrible, horrible people on here, just like there is in the rest of the world. But remember, "don't be overcome with evil — overcome evil with good."

I didn't enter into this to get any kind of affirmation or confirmation. I entered into this to see what I could do for other people — to give them my sincerity, to give them my love and my care, to take a load off, to have a smile, to have a memory or two. Singing the blues has always been about alleviating the blues, and that's apparent when you listen to them. Sure is nice to hear that someone else is, or has been where you are, or have been. Because we forget sometimes, that we're all in this together, and we have many, many similar experiences — all the time, all across the world, in every age.

"Self Esteem" (31 May 2007)

If you're coming into this YouTube thing, do it because of what you can do for other people... Don't worry so much about yourself, and if you're doing ok, and if you love yourself — you do, trust me. Think of what you can do for other people... Not some kind of self review, not some kind of day or week or however long to make sure you feel good about yourself — but thinking about the other people all around you, all the time, who could always — always use a hand, one way or another, even if it's kindness. Think of that instead. And maybe you are starting to notice my quote on the page "Look without, and you will be fulfilled within — without a doubt." I really mean that — look without, without of yourself — not within.

"Self Esteem" (31 May 2007)

You're doing OK. You're always doing OK — however bad you think you are doing — this is another page of the book. But remember the responsibility you can have, or the power you can have, to make the sun shine a little brighter for the person next to you. Even if you never see them again — it will mean the world to them, what you can do.

"Self Esteem" (31 May 2007)

I'm really proud of you for having come this far — every single one of you, wherever you are, you're on your way — you are getting there! And — don't worry so much! Just — that's what we need to stop doing — stop worrying so much, and start observing a little bit more.

"Self Esteem" (31 May 2007)

I want to share with you a couple of the kinds of letters I've been getting ...Dear Ysabella, My friend is hurting themselves. I'd like to know if I should tell someone about this, because I don't want my friend to be mad at me.
Ok, I don't care if your friend is mad at you — I don't want them to be dead! You need to spread the word — they've let you know — you need to talk to a family member you can trust of theirs, someone at school, someone at work — you need to talk to somebody that can get them some help. Because I'd rather they be mad at me and not want to be my friend — and alive — than anything else, ok?
... The second letter:My boyfriend is hitting me ... how can I break up with him without being mean?
... Now, when someone's looking for a doormat, they don't care whether it's mean or nice — they just want to know 'can they wipe their feet on it?' ... The next time you see a little girl ... imagine if she was in the situation you are in. What would want for her, really? If that breaks your heart, remember in that moment that you are as valuable, and as cherished, and as loved, and as important as any woman on this planet. ... Stand up for yourself — don't be afraid to expect to be treated like a human being.

James — it's about your sister
I wonder if you missed her
I'm on my way to see you but I don't know what to bring
Almost gave up the ghost, now you have what she wants most
a little piece of heaven and a lovely song to sing.

I am speaking of something that is no longer happening — that is not currently going on. If someone is abusing you, or doing something illegal, or even something you refuse to tolerate, and it's still continuing, that is not an issue of forgiveness, that is an issue of making sure that stops — even if you have to get away from that situation — that's very important.

If that is not the case, then we are talking about something that happened in the past, even if it was today, this morning, but it's over. You know, there are people dead and buried in their graves still affecting people, because no one ever forgave them for what they did — that's what not forgiving does — it lets an event live and live with bitterness and hurt, when it needs to be let go.

"Forgiveness" (7 July 2007)

When you forgive someone, you're not justifying what they've done — you're not saying it was ok, you're letting it go, to stay in the past, where it happened, and moving away from it, so it doesn't sink its teeth into you, and follow you wherever you go. And of course, we don't know what events are going on in that person's life that perhaps led them to do what they were doing, or inspired them, or what kind of person they are sometimes. We never will know everything about what is going on with the whole situation - we only know what has happened to us. And the truth is - there's no point in hanging on to it.

"Forgiveness" (7 July 2007)

Now do we have to forgive and forget? No! In fact sometimes it's important to remember, so that you can prevent something like that from happening again, or know that it's not ok with you, even with that person or anyone else.
But forgiving — why not? Do it so that you can be free. And I guarantee you, you will be free of this thing. And even if you don't tell this person you've forgiven them, because sometimes you can't, it's amazing what will happen in your life, what will happen with that person, what will happen with you and other people, if you have a forgiving spirit and let it go.

"Forgiveness" (7 July 2007)

What's in my veins makes me free
Oh what you have done for me!
Two who made a work of art
Mama brought the armor, Daddy engineered the heart.

It is easy to consider advice when it is brought forth with care, and consideration, and gentleness. Sometimes people are offended or feel manipulated if you are so blustering, you see. And it's an opportunity to be kind — you know — usually if you're giving advice, it's because you care about people and you love them. So you ought to act that way.
...
If you find yourself to be a — sort of an abrasive type of person, perhaps you might try to be gentle, because the truth is that gentleness and kindness are a lot more powerful than we are led to believe. And if you are like this, and people are telling you it doesn't work, don't listen to them — do what you know is right.

I tried to be
what you wanted me to be
But you didn't want a girl you wanted
MACHINE ...
I can't be part of this machine
I got too much heart to keep it in
I can't be part of your machine
I promise this is not the end

Let there be peace
At least so blood will not flow forever
Stop segregating yourselves and see
that we should come together

"The Truth" (27 January 2008)

Control yourself and no one else
And you will
see the Truth my brother

"The Truth" (27 January 2008)

If I had asked me this about a year/year-and-a-half ago, I would have said "You can't trust everybody!" But now that I've been in the music industry, and famous, and on YouTube and stuff: "You can't trust everybody, at all."

Be careful what you say if you wouldn't want it broadcast everywhere — because you never know. My basic advice would be — for trust — is : Live the way you ought to live — all the time — as much as you can help it.

Trust — what's the secret?" (27 January 2008)

There's a reason that we don't go into people's homes and tell them how to live. We may not know their problem, and what it's like, so how can we know the solution? We don't say to someone who is hurting 'I know what's wrong, and it's nothing, so you shouldn't complain or be bitter.' ...
And finally, for those who are angry at people who are sad from suffering, and racism, and stereotypes and prejudices — this is their pain. It is ok that they have pain, and that they are dealing with it the way they need to, and the way we need to. If you are thinking of yourself, it won't make much sense, because it doesn't have anything to do with you. Think of them instead. And if you really want to see someone smile, and not suffer, think of a way that you can bring them joy.

Now I don't know where you come from if you think that you deserve a trophy, or a parade or are even guaranteed a thank-you for doing what's good and what's right to others, and being kind to them and respectful — but in life, you probably will not get these things. But that's not why we ought to do good — we ought to do good, not because it's special or extra, but because it's the minimum of what we owe to one another.

We should not, certainly, punish other people in general because of an apparent lack of gratitude on the part of some. It could be that people are so busy they seem ungrateful — or they actually are thankless! But this is OK — I'd rather be nice to someone spoiled than mean to someone who really could use a hand.

"Doing Good — for the right reasons!" (13 March 2008)

So remember, if you're feeling bitter — or sorry for yourself about what you've done, and how much good you've accomplished — or if you find yourself more than anyone else talking about the good you've done, you're doing it for the wrong reasons, because it should be the default.

"Doing Good — for the right reasons!" (13 March 2008)

My favorite thing on this topic is what God has to say about it — so I'm going to look up a Bible verse. So everyone who's "scared of the Bible" — now is the time to run away! ... "Beware practicing you righteousness before men to be noticed by them. Otherwise, you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. ... But when you give to the poor — do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you." I really like that! It's not karma so much, but justice, which is a little bit different, because there is a definite consciousness behind justice.

"Doing Good — for the right reasons!" (13 March 2008)

So let God know what you're doing just by doing it — or feel good about yourself. But don't rely on men and women to inspire you to do good — because we will probably often fail you with our own imperfections! We all should be trying to improve ourselves, regardless of how much better off or worse off we are than the person next to us, because we can all get better.

"Doing Good — for the right reasons!" (13 March 2008)

I've missed you too! A lot of people have been wondering where I have been, and it's not very exciting news, and it's not very good news, it's just that I've been very ill. I've been very sick for a while and still trying to get better, slowly but surely. ... Anyway, I was so overwhelmed —Overwhelmed,
by all the
nice things you
folks said to me!
It was so nice to read everything that everyone was saying, and very, very sweet. I appreciate all the — oh, it made me cry, and — and it was just so nice, and I wanted to say a big 'Thank you!' to everyone for being so supportive and so nice to me. ... I will be back in full swing, as much as I can, when I can, and in the mean time, I miss you all very, very much.

So rare that we are told that we are doing just great, and good enough. So if you are doing all you can, I want you to know I'm proud of you! And I wanted to pass that along. And I hope you feel it, and that you know you're doing ok, 'cause you know. Despite what everyone else is saying, you'll know, and I hope you do!

No one can tell the mountain what it's missing, or that it's lacking, or that it's something that it's not. ... You know, you can shout all night long at the stars to stop twinkling — but they won't! ... And it's quite a compliment, really, that you can be what you are, and that you can do the right thing, regardless of how popular it is, or if you have anyone helping you — or if you don't get anything for it. ... All those people out there, looking up at you, screaming "stop twinkling!" — they have no power, at all. And what else could you do, being a star?

First I'd like to address the hecklers (cause I know you're out there!) ... There are people who contribute, people who create, and people who destroy. ... Nobody likes hecklers — nobody likes heckling — it's not interesting, it's not funny, it's certainly not appreciated, and it's of no use and no good. And it just hurts people. And I'm not sure if the intention is to hurt people, in which case you are evil — and if not, that's what you are doing, so it is not constructive, at all. The whole idea of 'I must be honest, so here is what I think' is complete baloney. If there is information you must transmit to another, you must do it empathically, or it is worthless. ...
Essentially, what I have for you heckler victims is this: If you do what you must, and you do what is right, you are bulletproof! Don't bother changing — don't listen to any of that garbage — because it's garbage!

People have asked me to speak on being sick, and even specifically on chronic pain diseases. ... And I don't know what to tell you, except this — this is something I have discovered. Your body is fighting to live. This is in your very blood, in your heart, in your bones — your body is trying to live, it's fighting to live — and don't give up without a fight, you know? Do what you can do. Figure something out. If you have to, fight with people to get help — whatever it is, but don't give up without a fight. You remember — mark my words — you are here — you should be here — stay.

And I wanted to say something before I go — I told you guys it's been a bad year — when you have these kind of moments when you are in despair, I just want to remind you that God does not take a break — he does not clock out, he doesn't get caught off-guard — there is nothing that goes on that he is not allowing. So everything is as it should be, no matter how wrong, or scary, or sad, or angry, or afraid, or any of it — everything is as it should be. And we need to remember that, and that we love Him and He loves us. Whatever we're feeling, we need to remember the truth.

Quote from video posted a day after both her YouTube channels were suspended (have been reinstated), two days after being laid off, and about a month after the cause of her worsening chronic pain was diagnosed as fibromyalgia (no cure or effective treatment). "Update 12/12/08" (12 December 2008)

Thank you for praying for me, and wishing me well, and all the support, because I need it a lot. And inside me there is a warrior, but right now, I am a 'Golden Girl'... But I wanted to let you guys know that I have not died, and I am here, and I am going to fight with all I have got to stay — and to help. And I have never been in this bad a condition, but I am determined.

This morning, when I got my mail — there's concrete all over the ground — cement, you know — and these little clovers — the little green clovers, like from St. Patrick's Day — the plant — were growing up out of the cement — no dirt and no nothing and no rain — and there they were, growing up out of the cement, and I was thinking — "that's like me."

"My Nightgown is Blue and I am too!" (20 March 2009)

It's justice that He's bringing.
It's hidden inside a song.
No one's stuck in the middle...
the battle is already won.

Those of you who have been so kind, so loyal, so wonderful, so friendly, so generous — I appreciate it more than I can tell you! And though I am very sick, my spirit is strong. And it is the love I get that keeps me this way — from God and from you.

I suppose I want to leave a word with you tonight, that seems to have been applicable and important to everyone lately. And that is — remember Mercy, Love and Forgiveness, because this seems to be lacking, and causing and creating a lot of problems for people because it is so lacking. So remember that, first and foremost. And if you're already doing a good job at that, you think — good for you! Step it up a bit! That's your challenge. As for me, I must work on these things always too!

So many wonderful things are happening all around me — and they don't need to happen to me. But to be given the grace to be a part of it, or to see it — especially to help — is the best thing I could ever have.

There's a cat that's a stray that's been coming around my house for the last couple of years. ... I noticed upon petting her for the very first time that beneath her fur, almost beneath my hand, was ripples and ripples of wounds — amazing — wounds upon wounds and scars upon scars — old, of course, but she had been through it a lot! Anyway, I named her "Has Wounds But Still Lives" ... Well a few days ago, she came by, and dry food that I'd put out there was falling from her mouth. And upon closer inspection, it was because this side of her face was practically gone! ... And it looked to me as if she could survive it, but it was grisly, it really was — and it brought you to tears, and made you nervous and afraid, and all kinds of things.

The other day, there was a man outside, beckoning to what I though was Has Wounds. ... He came back with an older man ... he was crying and sobbing, and — he's Has Wounds' owner! ... I told him about what I had done ... He said that he's been praying for her all of this time too. He'd been crying, he'd been singing — and he thought he was alone in alll this. The nights when I'd wondered ... where she was, corresponded with days where he'd wondered where she'd gone. ... And this man had cared for her for 16 years! ... I said how I had named her, and he said that in 16 years he had never come up with a name for her, because nothing seemed to suit her, and he was amazed to reveal that that was very much her, and he's going to call her that from now on! He begged to repay me somehow ... I said listen, the best thing you can do is what you have already done — love her, take care of her, be her owner! ...

But it was amazing to see this man crying, and grateful to God for this, and to love this animal as if it was his child. Well, events took a turn for the bittersweet when he let me know last night that he's moving, out of town, even, and he's taking Has Wounds with him (and yes, he called her that.) And he wanted to thank me again. And my only reply was "what else could I have done, but more?" So — I should not ever see her again, I think — but had I not gotten the Grace to happen to come across this man, thanks to God, at my door, I would have assumed that she had died. So I'm very grateful that I got to see him, and we got to pray together and embrace each other, and know what really was going on, all this time we were afraid. Well, she was right next door for either one of us. And it was very funny too, that this man's name was Francisco, because it's very much a St. Francis story, with an animal, you know?

So I wanted to say she's safe and sound. And for those of you who are still concerned, I saw her this morning for the last time — and her whole face here, which was ravaged and gone, seemingly, was not only healed — there was fur growing back on it. So, that is the end of the story of Has Wounds But Still Lives, and she's in earthly kitty heaven, which is having an owner that loves you to pieces and takes care of you. So — with that in mind, I wanted to thank everyone again. And so many wonderful things are happening all around me — and they don't need to happen to me. But to be given the grace to be a part of it, or to see it — especially to help — is the best thing I could ever have.